Our district and clubs were leaders this year investing in the YPA initiative – the largest local community-led peacebuilding initiative in RI history.  While this pilot project encountered some challenges due to COVID, we had 77 students complete the My PeaceBuilder Foundations online course and become certified PeaceBuilders.  Additionally, students from Furlow Charter School sponsored by the Rotary Club of Americus completed the Leading Peacebuilder Project Team training and were recognized at the YOUnited event.  Their teacher, Joanna Arnold was recognized as one of two Peace Activators of the Year from across the Zones.  You can watch the video where the students talk about their project - it's quite impressive.

For 2022-23, YPA will be separated into two distinct, affordable, sustainable initiatives:

• My Peacebuilder Foundations: Any high school can sign up for YPA for $100, and make online content and certification available to any/all students and teachers to use and adapt as needed. This is possible because the YPA platform is in place.

• Leading Peace Project Teams: This “premier peace product” will be available to any participating high school through a $500 Rotary Club sponsorship. This supports YPA peace project training and mentoring for an Interactors or other students. Up to 10 students can participate and become certified. 

YPA will market to schools and help “match” interest with Rotary Clubs that weren’t able to board the Peace Train in 2021-22.  All are welcome to join in this year!  

Because of the significant investment made by our district in the pilot project, those investing clubs and sponsored schools already have tickets for the 2022-2023 Peace Train.  Check with DG Mary to know if your club and school already have a Peace Train ticket for 2022-2023. Information on the professional development will be coming soon.